ACSA calls for better services for ethnic elderly

Federal and State Governments need to respond to Australia’s increasingly diverse and rapidly ageing society by developing a comprehensive national policy, according to Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA).

It has launched a new policy – Strength through Diversity – and called on governments to spell out a comprehensive policy to prepare for the sizeable increase in older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) who will need services over the next 20 years.

Chief executive officer, Greg Mundy, said the policy highlights the critical areas governments need to address. “While there are a range of measures to help CALD older people there is no clearly articulated comprehensive national vision or policy that will guide how the industry will provide care to the waves of people who will need it. It’s time for a complete evaluation and comprehensive statement to take us through to 2020 and beyond.

“Here is a chance for governments to look at ways of harnessing the pool of potential bi-lingual staff across Australia who could contribute to creating a welcoming, friendly and familiar environment for older Australians who speak a language other than English,” Mr Mundy said.

“In today’s multicultural Australia it is not enough to think that one system suits everyone: Future planning should recognise that everything from menus through to geographic location and access to language-specific recreational services should be offered to our older Australians.

“Although some ethno-specific services receive funding, the unwritten Commonwealth position still seems to be that generic services can cater for the needs of CALD older people with appropriate support.

“ACSA calls for a mixed service system that meets a range of cultural and language needs and differences,” Mr Mundy said. “Increased emphasis and resources should be dedicated to improving the communication and cultural components of all aged and community care services, staffing, training, and research,” he said.

ACSA’s Policy Strength and Diversity is available at www.agedcare.org.au.